My peace I give to you.
(John 14.27-31a)
FROM THE DIOCESE
Retirement of Ms. Carole Schryer
We wish to inform you of the forthcoming retirement of Ms. Carole Schryer as of May 2, 2024.
Carole began her employment at the Chancery in March 2003, and for over 21 years she has served the Diocese Pembroke, especially as assistant to three consecutive bishops. Carole has also assisted in the Office of Finance.
We thank Carole for her many years of service and collaboration in the Chancery and wish her every grace and blessing as she embarks on this new chapter in her life.
Healing Service with Eucharistic Adoration
At Paroisse Ste-Thérèse, 67 rue Boucher, Témiscaming, on Wednesday, May 8th from 7-8:15 p.m. Guest speaker: Father Réal Ouellette. All are welcome!
Ordination to the Priesthood
Reverend Mr. Lukas Časta will receive Sacred Ordination to the Priesthood on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Columbkille at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
Prayer for the Future Bishop of our Diocese
Heavenly Father, we ask in the name of your Son, that you bless our future bishop. Provide him with the gifts he will need to carry on the ministry of Jesus in our diocese. Grant him the heart of your Son, the heart of the Good Shepherd. Bestow upon him the zeal of St. Paul in preaching the Good News; the humility of St. John Vianney in ministering the sacraments; the compassion of St. Vincent-de-Paul in serving those most in need; the wisdom of St. Augustine in teaching the doctrine of our Church; and the missionary fervour of St. Columbkille, our patron. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
FROM THE CCCB
53rd International Eucharistic Congress – Pilgrimage
Archbishop Dunn and Bishop Rodembourg, spirituals guides of the pilgrimage, invite you to join 2024 Eucharistic Congress to be held in Quito, Ecuador, from September 8th to 15th. As such, the pilgrimage, organised in collaboration with Spiritours, will commence on September 6th with a return on September 16th (without the extension) or on September 20th (with the extension). Kindly note that the number of participants is limited and the deadline to register is June 6, 2024. Should you have any questions, please communicate directly with Archbishop Dunn (bdunn@halifaxyarmouth.org), Bishop Rodembourg (seceveque@ecdsh.org), or Audrey Marebe from Spiritours (514 374‑7965, ext. 200, or audrey.marebe@spiritours.com).
National Family & Life Week 2024
April 18, 2024, Ottawa – The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) warmly invites the Catholic faithful to celebrate National Family and Life Week 2024 (NFLW), which will take place from 13 – 19 May 2024. (Read more…)
THE HOLY SEE
Pope’s Prayer Intention for May 2024
For the formation of religious and seminarians – We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Indigenous Speaker Series
Please join us for an Indigenous Speaker Series. Next event: Thursday, May 9th from 7-8:30 p.m., featuring David Robertson, writer, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate, and member of the Norway House Cree Nation: https://www.darobertson.ca/. Hosted by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board. Click here to register for this event. For more information, or questions or concerns, please contact Kellie Hisko at kellie.hisko@rccdsb.ca. Everyone welcome!
Stay tuned for the next upcoming series on May 22nd.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Ten Principles for Reconciliation:
- The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is the framework for reconciliation at all levels and across all sectors of Canadian society.
THE EVANGELIZATION TEAM
“Church Revitalization and Growth”
We are delighted to announce a five-part series on “Church Revitalization and Growth,” starting May 7. Led by our Director of Pastoral Work, Pierre-Alain Giffard, this online program aims to equip parishes with the knowledge and practical skills to revitalize and grow Christian communities. Over five consecutive Tuesdays, participants will explore the Church’s core mission, study thriving churches, and learn about church growth principles. We extend a warm invitation to you. We encourage you to forward this announcement to your parish team and other members of the parish. Please RSVP by May 2 to pag@pembrokediocese.com.
Addressing Low Attendance in Churches
By Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work
A recent survey by Gallup found that only 23% of US Catholic adults attend Mass weekly, with a solid half of them seldom or never visiting a church at all. This figure rises to 33% when adding those who attend “almost every week,” but it is still the lowest attendance of any major faith in the US. The survey, which accumulated data from over 32,000 participants, found that nearly every religious group has seen a decline in weekly attendance over the last two decades. Catholics were shown to have the greatest change in weekly attendance, with a fall from 45% in the 2000s to just 33% in the 2020s, a diminishment of 12%. (https://aleteia.org/2024/04/11/catholics-show-lowest-attendance-of-any-us-faith-in-survey/). (Read more…)
VOCATIONS
Rev. Ken O’Brien – 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood
On Saturday, May 11th. The special Mass celebration will be held at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville, at 4 p.m. followed by a formal smudging from the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn. Family, friends and parishioners will gather for a social and dinner afterwards at the Royal Canadian Legion, Eganville. Tickets are $40 each and are on a first come-first served basis. Reserve your tickets by Thursday, May 2, contacting St. James Parish office at 613 628-2020, or email Karen at secretarystjames@gmail.com.
1st Thursday Holy Hours to Pray for Vocations
May 2nd from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Paul the Hermit Parish, Sheenboro. The Holy Hour will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Music, a reflection by Fr. Murray, a Rosary for vocations, and time for silent prayer. These Holy Hours are open to everyone, not just those considering a priestly vocation. For more information and details please visit Pembroke Vocations.
MARRIAGE, FAMILY, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
Diocesan Youth Night
The Diocese of Pembroke’s Office of Family Life and Youth Ministry is starting a new event for youth in grade 7 to 12 at St. James the Less Parish, Eganville. Upcoming date: June 7th from 7 – 9 p.m. The events will offer fun games (outdoor whenever possible), social time to build friendships, Eucharistic adoration, music, confession, and talks from a team of clergy and others to encourage spiritual growth and personal reflection. Please bring indoor shoes! The waiver form and information can be found here! A dedicated room will be available for parents who wish to stay for the duration of the event. Any questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com. All are invited and welcome!
Image of God Monthly Men & Women Sessions at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Petawawa
Next session: Wednesday, May 8th, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the parish centre. Topic: “Home Grown Spiritual Directors: We’re all walking a long and difficult journey – it’s time to talk about who we have invited to walk with us.” Speaker Patrick Sullivan, Lay Evangelist. Upcoming date is June 12th. Questions? Contact Yvette Bourque at yvettebourque@pembrokediocese.com.
PARISH EVENTS
Prayers for healing (bilingual celebration)
At St-Pierre Church, Fort-Coulonge, Friday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. All welcome, whatever your religious background! Format: songs of praise, brief meditation on the Word of God, procession with the Blessed Sacrament inside the church for healing, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be two or three people to pray with you individually for healing if you wish.
Monastic Prayer Retreat, July 3-6, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, LaPasse
Enter into the silence and rhythm of monastic prayer for four days this summer in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, LaPasse, Ontario. For more details and to register see www.glenmary.ca/monasticprayerretreat.ca or email Aimee at raeaimee@hotmail.com.
PRO-LIFE
FSO Free Parenting Workshop
First Step Options presents a free parenting workshop at Wesley Community Church Hall, 210 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Thursday, May 2nd from 7-8:30 p.m. Learn 3 achievable strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, featuring Kelsey Parker, Registered Psychotherapist. Pre-register today at 613 635-7440 or fsocentre@gmail.com, or visit https://www.firststepoptions.com/ for more information.
National March for Life – Parliament Hill
All are invited to participate in this important event to show support for life at all ages and stages. The march through downtown Ottawa begins on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Masses and prayer services begin in the morning, a rally on the Hill at 12:30 p.m., and testimonies after the march.
Renfrew County Right to Life has chartered a coach that leaves Moncion Metro in Pembroke at 8 a.m. and stops in Cobden and Renfrew. To reserve a seat please contact Barb at 613 735-6265 or email RCRTLife@gmail.com. For more details see marchforlife.ca and www.facebook.com/RCRTL.
Living in Colour
Are you hurting from an abortion experience, even years later? You are not alone! First Step Options Pregnancy Resource Centre is offering a post-abortion recovery healing program called “Living in Colour.” Contact FSO at 613 635-7440 or visit https://www.firststepoptions.com/ for more information.
First Step Options 2024 Baby Bottle Fundraising Campaign
From May 12th to June 16th. Fill our virtual bottle & bring hope. E-transfers to firststepoptions@gmail.com, cheques, or monthly donations accepted. For more details, please visit the website at www.firststepoptions.com, call 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
First Step Options Trivia Night
Come join FSO for a fun-filled trivia night at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 280 Lourdesview Dr., Pembroke, on Saturday, May 25th at 7 p.m. Theme: “Books vs. Movies.” Cost: $10/person (4-6 players/team). Costumes are encouraged for bonus points! Cash canteen and silent auction available. Register by Tuesday, May 21st at 613 635-7440 or email fsocentre@gmail.com.
OTHER CATHOLIC EVENTS
Catholic Education Week 2024
This year’s Catholic Education Week will be held May 5-10, 2024. During Catholic Education Week, the schools in our Diocese will be celebrating the significant contribution that Catholic Education has made to the community, the province and to Canada. This year’s theme is “We are called to love,” with biblical quote “If we love one another, God lives in us.” (1 John 4:12).
Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care
Do you have questions about how our Catholic faith helps us navigate end-of-life questions? Our team of volunteers and Fr. Moses of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, in Deep River, invites everyone to join us in our Parish Hall on Wednesdays, from May 1-29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., to discover this “toolkit”. Developed by our Bishops, it brings together theological and medical expertise to answer your questions! Our volunteers have professional, volunteer, and/or personal experience with palliative care. Plus, we offer a 5th session focused on the availability of palliative care locally and getting your papers in order. Free! Please pre-register by calling our Parish Office at 613 584-2711, leaving your name, phone number and email address. Learn more: visit www.cccb.ca, searching Horizons of Hope. Or visit OLGC Parish website, https://ourladygoodcounsel.ca/.
Annual May 1st Men’s Pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s Oratory
Every year for the past 40 years, we bundle up all our cares and the needs of our families, sling them across our shoulders as fathers and as young men (13+), and take them to the feet of St. Joseph patron of father’s and workers. Along the way we stop to visit St. Kateri’s shrine in Kahnawake. Our itinerary is posted at https://tinyurl.com/stj-pilgrimage. Please contact Anton Casta at arc3@stmaxmedia.com or 613 756-6410 to register.
Pilgrimage to Quebec Shrines
St. James the Less Parish in Eganville is organizing a pilgrimage accompanied by Father Réal Ouellette, from Monday, June 10, 2024, to Wednesday, June 12, 2024, with departures and returns in Pembroke and Renfrew. Shrines to be visited are St. Kateri’s Shrine, Divine Mercy Shrine, Our Lady of the Cap Shrine, Ste-Anne de Beaupré Shrine, and Oratory St. Joseph. We need a minimum of 40 pilgrims by May 9th to make this pilgrimage viable. For more information, please visit https://stjameseganville.com/ or call Fr. Réal during office hours at 613 628-2020, or by email at padrereal2002@yahoo.ca.
150th Annual Pilgrimage – Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré and Our Lady of the Cape from August 10-11, 2024
A bus will depart on August 10, 2024, at 4 a.m. This may be the last pilgrimage due to the Rector and organizer health issues. For departure locations, cost and other information, please contact Mike Budge at 613 224-8110 or mike.budge@bell.net.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Cana Colony – Madonna House, Combermere, Ontario
Looking for 4 Activities Coordinators for children and youth at a family camp that runs from June 28 – Aug. 4, 2024. Must be 18+. For more information, please contact Christina Milan, Cana Registrar mhcanacolony@gmail.com or 613 756-3713.
OTHER
Welcome to the Madawaska United Soccer League
A 7v7 Co-Ed Summer League on Thursdays from May 2nd to the end of August. Summer registration for players 18+ is $70. Youth 13-17 are $50 but must tryout May 2nd/9th and be chosen by a team captain. This is a clean league that promotes Christian values and teamwork. Visiting players are welcome for a $10 fee per game. All games are held at MVDHS. Join us! https://madawaskaunited.com/.
Friends for Life/Perry Medico Annual Fundraising Dinner
Please join us on Sunday, May 5th at 5 p.m. at the Pembroke Golf Club. Tickets $60 (includes $30 tax receipt) may be purchased in advance by e-transfer to perrymedico@gmail.com (please include your contact details for tax receipt), or by contacting Karen at 613 735-4333 or Kathy at 613 735-6580. Funds to support medical programs in Yamasa, Dominican Republic.